Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs
Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Until Sunday 5 January 2025
Enchanted Entertainment return to the Westgate Road theatre with the classic tale that has the audiences being very much a part of the show. This is a panto that you are a part of rather than one that is done to you, hence it plays to packed houses of enthusiastic fans.
The newly opened cafe bar and box office area provide a pleasant space to meet before a show, and the ongoing structural changes serve to enhance the Tyne Theatre experience.
The production opens with Snow White engaging the audience in an all-singing, all-dancing rendition of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," setting the tone for a show rich in diverse popular music.
Following the traditional narrative of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, this pantomime features songs by Madness, Billie Eilish, and Taylor Swift, all seamlessly integrated into the performance.
The set design is quite ambitious, including moving parts, and pyrotechnics are used for comedic effect on several occasions.
The “12 Days of Xmas” made its annual appearance, creating a suitable level of chaos that kept the children entertained and even involved an audience member.
The story of Snow White’s encounter with the evil queen is followed closely, enriched by several standout elements:
Snow White and Prince Gazza, portrayed by Grace Anne Davison and Regan Gascoigne, both exhibit great stage presence. They carried jokes effortlessly and delivered a beautiful duet of “Birds of a Feather,” alongside impressive solo performances.
Lewis Denny, as Dame Dotty, is more than just a pretty face; his humor and strong singing ability add depth to his character.
Charlie Richmond, playing Muddles, is an established audience wrangler, engaging spectators with his silliness and charm.
Penelope McDonald shines as the particularly evil and glamorous wicked queen, drawing boos and audible disapproval from the kids.
The henchmen, Twist and Pulse, were a delightful surprise. Although I don’t watch *Britain’s Got Talent*, I was enthralled by their exceptional dancing skills.
Most notably, the dwarfs were portrayed by small adult actors, who brought individuality to their characters. Sandra Maria Germann, Luke Pendlebury, Claire Ibbitson, Iwan Parry, Richard Blenkiron, Tina Anin, and Max Anin infused the seven dwarfs with a genuine Geordie vibe, each adding their own special touch.
Ellie Openshaw stood out as the Forest Fairy and, as dance captain, successfully brought out the best in the dancers during spontaneous breakouts of dance and song.
A live band elevates any production, and this show is no exception, featuring great musical arrangements of contemporary classics and recent pop hits.
Overall, this is a fun show with excellent performances from all the cast members. I would definitely recommend it for families looking for an enjoyable experience before and after Christmas.
Review: Joanne Oliver
Tickets:
Tickets are available from the theatre's website: https://www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/whatson/snow-white-the-seven-dwarfs/ or from the box office: 0191 243 1171
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